"Through interdisciplinary research we examine the fate of nanoparticles in the environment"

Risk assessment of nanomaterials is vital for our society

We build knowledge for a responsible use of nanotechnology.

The purpose of the program is to enable new risk assessment strategies. How can we ensure that new nanomaterials are not harmful for humans and the environment? The quick development of new nanomaterials makes it difficult to assess each subject. Instead, we need to find certain characteristics of nanoparticles that are harmful, and an easy way to identify them.

The program is interdisciplinary, with scientists from natural sciences, social sciences and medicine, in order to get an understanding of nanoparticle exposure. Collaboration also enables a broad dialogue with industrial stakeholders, legislators and the public.

Thethree case studies provide examples of applications of risk assessment methods, highly relevant for the industry and environmental problems. And the five work packages have different scientific tasks to achieve the goal of the program.

"Cooperation is one of the reasons for me to keep doing research. You have to understand other methods and why they are relevant. I don't want to do research without placing it into a bigger context"

Tommy Cedervall, researcher Lund University.

"Unfortunately, far too often safety research lags substantially behind technological development driven by economic prospects. With our research, we hope to contribute to closing the gap."